May 3-4, 2025 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Various Locations
Discover the rich history of Hamilton through the annual Door Open Hamilton event, where the city’s historic buildings, landmarks, and cultural gems are unveiled to the public. This unique opportunity allows you to explore some of the most iconic architecture in Hamilton, many of which are not typically open to visitors. From heritage homes to industrial factories turned creative hubs, Door Open Hamilton offers a rare glimpse into the city’s past.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just curious about Hamilton’s architectural evolution, Door Open Hamilton provides a self-guided tour that lets you explore at your own pace. Engage with the stories that have shaped this vibrant city, and be inspired by the preservation efforts that have brought these historic sites back to life.
2025 Hamilton Sites to Explore
Ancaster Old Township Hall
310 Wilson Street, Ancaster, Ontario
Built-in 1871, the Ancaster Old Township Hall is a prime example of stone architecture with original features like an apron stage, hardwood floors, and arched windows. Once the first heritage building threatened in Ancaster, it was saved and now stands as a remarkable historical site.
Balfour House (Chedoke Estate)
1 Balfour Drive, Hamilton, Ontario
Balfour House, Hamilton’s last great escarpment estate, has housed several prominent residents since 1836, most recently the Balfour family. Now owned by the Ontario Heritage Trust, this architectural gem boasts beautiful gardens and tells the story of its transformation from homestead to grand estate.
Battlefield House Museum & Park National Historic Site
77 King Street West, Stoney Creek, Ontario
Dating back to 1796, Battlefield House Museum was once home to the prominent Gage family. Explore the house, its stories, and the surrounding 34-acre landscape, which includes the Battlefield Monument and nature trails, offering a glimpse into Hamilton’s early history.
The Cotton Factory
270 Sherman Avenue North, Hamilton, Ontario
Built in 1900, the Imperial Cotton Factory was repurposed into Hamilton’s largest creative hub, offering studios for artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs. It also hosts film productions and special events, making it one of the city’s finest examples of adaptive reuse.
Downtown Hamilton Memory Lane Virtual Tour
Start at 1 King Street West, Hamilton, Ontario
Experience Hamilton’s history through the Downtown Hamilton Memory Lane Virtual Tour. This self-guided tour features QR codes across the area, unlocking the history of each property, complete with vintage photos from Hamilton Public Libraries’ Local History department. Explore both online and in person.
Dundurn National Historic Site — Dundurn Castle
610 York Blvd., Hamilton, Ontario
Dundurn Castle, built in the 1830s for Sir Allan Napier MacNab, is a stunning example of Regency architecture. Restored in the 1960s, it offers insight into the life of the MacNab family and their servants, preserving its rich history for future generations.
Griffin House National Historic Site
733 Mineral Springs Road, Ancaster, Ontario
Griffin House, built in 1827, was home to Enerals Griffin and his wife, Priscilla, former slaves who escaped to Canada. The house and its 20 hectares (50 acres) served as a testament to their perseverance and the African-American community in Ancaster.
Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology National Historic Site
900 Woodward Avenue, Hamilton, Ontario
The Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology is home to two 45-foot steam-powered pumping engines, used from 1859 to 1910 to supply the city with water. These engines, the oldest of their kind in North America, are a key part of Hamilton’s industrial history.
McMaster University Campus Architecture Tour
Start at the McMaster Museum of Art on Sterling Street, Hamilton, Ontario
McMaster University offers a self-guided campus architecture tour that showcases the history and evolution of its buildings. Explore the architectural styles of McMaster’s campus, with detailed descriptions and photographs from the university’s digital archives for a deeper understanding.
Piggott Building
36 James Street South, Hamilton, Ontario
The Piggott Building, Hamilton’s first skyscraper, was completed in 1920. Standing 18 stories tall, it features an art deco/Gothic revival design with unique stained-glass windows and a marble interior. Now converted into luxury condos, it was preserved after heritage advocates successfully fought for its protection.
Stewart & Witton Major Works: Stadium Neighbourhood Walking Tour
Start at the Playhouse Cinema (177 Sherman Avenue North), Hamilton, Ontario
Explore four key landmarks designed by the architectural firm Stewart & Witton in Hamilton’s Stadium Neighbourhood. The self-guided walking tour covers buildings like the Playhouse Cinema and St. Giles Church, all designed in the early 1900s, showcasing their Gothic-revival architectural style.
Superior Court of Justice Family Court (former Hamilton Public Library)
55 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario
The former Carnegie Hamilton Public Library, now home to the Family Court, was constructed in 1913 with a $100,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie. Its neoclassical design features grand architectural elements, including a two-storey atrium and marble detailing, making it a significant heritage landmark.
Westfield Heritage Village
1049 Kirkwall Road (Regional Road 552), Rockton, Ontario
Westfield Heritage Village, an open-air museum, features over 35 restored buildings dating from the early 1800s. Located in a 202-hectare conservation area, it offers a glimpse into 19th-century rural life and hosts educational programs and events year-round, preserving Hamilton’s historical roots.
Workers Arts and Heritage Centre (Custom House)
51 Stuart Street, Hamilton, Ontario
The Custom House, one of Canada’s oldest federal buildings, now houses the Workers Arts and Heritage Centre. The building reflects Hamilton’s rise as a major railway and port hub. The museum celebrates workers’ contributions through art, history, and culture, preserving this architectural landmark.
Door Open Hamilton is an unforgettable experience that connects you to the roots of the city while showcasing the preservation of its heritage. Don’t miss out on this chance to see Hamilton’s hidden treasures and learn about its past.
